2015 Audi Q3 and RS Q3 revealed

Audi Q3 receives styling enhancements for 2015, plus more poke for the range-topping RS Q3. 

Audi has revealed a mid-life facelift for its Q3, aimed to help the small SUV compete with newer rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The most obvious revisions for the updated Q3 come in the styling department, where the compact high-rider has adopted a new three-dimensional front grille design which now blends into the headlight clusters.

The headlights have also received attention, as Xenon units with LED daytime running lamps become standard, while full LED headlights can be optioned for the first time.

At the rear, the revised Q3 range adopts a sharper and sportier rear bumper design to match the front, while optioning LED taillights also brings dynamic turn signals, first seen on Audi’s R8 supercar.

The dynamic turn signals work by activating each LED sequentially in blocks so that the taillight moves in the direction the driver is indicating.

Engines for the Australian market are yet to be confirmed, though diesel and petrol four-cylinder units are expected.

In overseas markets the updated Q3 can had with a 110kW 1.4-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol with either 132kW or 162kW, or a 110kW 2.0-litre diesel unit.

The range-topping RS Q3 is powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo motor which is hooked up to a seven-speed S Tronic twin clutch gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive system.

The five-pot engine also receives a power bump for 2015 up to 250kW/450Nm from 228kW/420Nm, allowing the premium SUV to hit 100km/h in 4.8 seconds – significantly faster than the outgoing model’s 5.5 second claim.

The RS Q3 will also receive a number of cosmetic upgrades for 2015, including a new front bumper which mimics the design of Audi’s newest RS models – the RS6 and RS7. There’s also a new roof spoiler at the rear with silver highlights.

The updated Audi Q3 range will arrive in Australia in 2015, with local specifications and pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.